Dispensing apparatus for multiple fluids



Oct. 5, 1954 J. R. SNYDER 2,690,859

DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE FLUIDS Filed Nov. 21, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVEN TOR. Jkcos A 05 5/10 0158 Oct. 5, 1954 J. R. SNYDER 2,690,859

DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE mums Filed Nov. 21, 195] 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N V EN TOR. [4505 ,PZ/jf/ SNYDER Oct. 5, 1954 J. R. SNYDER DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE FLUIDS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 21, 1951 INVENTOR. JZ'CUB A 05 Lin/r051? 3W7:

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DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE FLUIDS Filed Nov. 21, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I- I I I 1/5 752 50. I I 2N 10 we? l 451 @"M INVENTOR. 129 flcos A 06 S/WDE/Q w W0? W Oct. 5, 1954 J. R. SNYDER 0,8

DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE FLUIDS Filed Nov. 21, 1951 6 Sheets-Shet s 155 INVEN TOR.

Jacoa fag/7 SNYDE/Q Oct. 5, 1954 J. R. SNYDER DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE FLUIDS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Nov. 21, 1951 hhv INVENTOR. $4605 05 5/W0f/E Patented Oct. 5, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE FLUIDS 14 Claims. 1

This invention relates to dispensing apparatus for delivering predetermined amounts of a desired fluid or fluids and, more particularly, to improved apparatus of this kind by which the fluid being delivered can be applied to a desired point of use. This improved dispensing apparatus is hereinafter described as being used for introducing predetermined amounts of treating fluid into preformed holes of wood railway ties, but the invention is not limited in this respect since the apparatus can be used to advantage for various other dispensing and applicator purposes.

An object of the present invention is to provide improved dispensing apparatus of this character having plunger means operable in a pump chamber for delivering a measured quantity of the dispensing fluid and in which novel outlet valve means is employed to control the discharge passage leading from the pump chamber.

Another object is to provide dispensing apparatus oi the character just mentioned in which the novel outlet valve means comprises a diaphragm-actuated valve having a normally closed position for initially retaining the dispensing fluid in the pump chamber but which is movable to an open position in response to pressure of the dispensing fluid against one side of the diaphragm means.

Another object is to provide dispensing apparatus of this kind in which the plunger means is formed, at least in part, by a flexible diaphragm and in which the outlet valve means is formed, at least in part, by a portion of the diaphragm of the plunger means.

A further object is to provide improved fluid dispensing apparatus of the kind having a pump chamber and plunger means operable therein and in which the plunger means divides the pump chamber into a power compartment and a dispensing compartment of which the latter is adapted to be connected with a source of dispensing fluid under pressure and the former is adapted to be supplied with motive fluid pressure.

Still another object is to provide improved fluid dispensing apparatus of this kind in which the pressure of the motive fluid being supplied to the power compartment and the initial pressure of the dispensing fluid in the dispensing compartment produce a substantially pressurebalanced condition of the plunger means and in which a manually movable means is operable to cause a dispensing stroke of such pressure-balanced plunger means.

As a further object, this invention provides improved dispensing apparatus of the character mentioned, having means including a manually operable control valve for supplying motive fluid to the power compartment at a pressure above the initial pressure of the dispensing fluid for causing a power actuated dispensing stroke of the plunger means.

Yet another object is to provide improved dispensing apparatus of the character referred to above in which novel priming means is employed to cause unseating of the normally closed outlet valve to facilitate the initial filling of the dispensing compartment from the source of dispensing fluid under pressure.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide improved dispensing apparatus of the character already mentioned in which the pressure of the motive fluid is utilized for holding the diaphragm-actuated outlet valve in its normally closed position and in which the priming means comprises manually operable vent valve means for removing the pressure of the motive fluid from the diaphragm of the outlet valve.

As still another object, this invention provides improved dispensing apparatus in which the dispensing compartment or compartments and the plunger means are contained in a manually port able applicator unit or dispensing head having nozzle means connected therewith and adapted for positioning in a spike hole or the like of the wood member being treated.

This invention also provides improved dispensing apparatus of the character mentioned having multiple dispensing compartments and valve controlled discharge passages for delivering measured quantities of different dispensing fluids simultaneously.

Additionally, this invention provides improved dispensing apparatus of the kind above referred to in which the nozzle means has multiple passages therein for the plural fluids being dispensed and in which novel cover means is provided for temporary application to the nozzle means.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent in the following detailed description and in the accompanying sheets of drawings in which;

Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing one form of dispensing apparatus of the present invention and which apparatus embodies a reservoir unit and a manually portable dispensing head or applicator unit;

Fig. 2 is another side elevation of the portable applicator unit;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the ap- J1 plicator unit taken substantially on section line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the applicator unit;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section taken through the applicator unit substantially on section line 55 of Figs. 3 and 7;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section showing a portion of the applicator unit and taken on section line 66 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical section taken through the applicator unit substantially on section line 7-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is another transverse vertical section of the applicator unit taken on section line 88 of Fig.

Fig. 9 is a transverse section taken through the pressure release valve of the reservoir unit as indicated by section line 9-8 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is another transverse section taken through the release valve on section line ii!lil of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a side elevation showing a dispensing head or applicator unit of a modified form;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal vertical section similar to that of Fig. 5, but taken through the modified applicator unit of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken through the manually operable control valve of the modified applicator unit; and

Fig. 14 is an elevation partially in vertical section showing a removable cover applied to the nozzle means of the applicator unit.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 10 inclusive the improved dispensing apparatus I6 is shown as comprising, in general, a reservoir unit H and a manually portable and manually operable applicator unit or dispensing head l2 which is connected with the reservoir unit II by flexible conduits or hoses 13, 1 2 and iii.

The reservoir unit it comprises tanks adapted to contain quantities of the fluids to be dispensed, in this instance two such tanks i6 and H, and a source of air under suitable pressure and which is here represented by a manually operable air pump E8. The tanks 66 and I1 and the pump 18 are suitably mounted on a supporting base l9 so as to enable the reservoir unit to stand in upright relation on the ground or, if desired, on a rail car or other suitable vehicle (not shown). tanks It and ll are of suitable size to contain appropriate quantities of the fluids to be dispensed and are here shown as having a size relationship to each other corresponding substantially with the volume ratio according to which the dispensing fluids are to be dispensed in measured quantities as is explained more fully hereinafter.

As has already been indicated above, the dispensing apparatus [0 is intended for use in treating wood railway ties or the like by supplying measured quantities of the desired treating fluids to preformed spike holes in such ties. Any desired fluid or fluids can be used in this dispensing apparatus, but by way of example, it can be stated that it has become the practice to use a synthetic resin glue material in such spike holes and the present apparatus can be used to advantage in supplying such synthetic resin glue material to the spike holes.

The synthetic resin glue material used for this purpose is of a potentially thermosetting character and as employed in the spike holes may comprise a mixture of the potentially thermosetting resin and a catalyst or accelerator. To

The

avoid premature setting of this material, it is ecessary to maintain the resin and catalyst in segregated relation prior to their introduction into the spike hole. In the improved dispensing apparatus i8, a. quantity of one of these treating fluids, for example resorcinol formaldehyde, is contained in the tank [5 and a quantity of the other of the two treating fluids, such as a resin accelerator comprising a mixture of urea and formaldehyde, is contained in the tank I7.

During use of the dispensing apparatus [0, the treating fluids in the tanks (6 and I! are maintained under pressure, such as a pressure of appproximately 35 pounds per square inch, for supplying the fluids from the reservoir unit to the applicator unit 2. The tanks l6 and ll are each provided at the top thereof with a removable plug 29 closing a filling opening. Each tank is also provided with a short axial sleeve 2i extending thereinto from the filling opening and which insures the presence of an air pocket 22 at the upper ends of the tanks when they are filled with the treating fluids. The treating fluids contained in the tanks i6 and I? are supplied from the bottoms thereof to the applicator unit [2 through the hoses I3 and i l respectively by the air pressure maintained in the tanks.

The pump l8 may be of the conventional tire pump type having a reciprocable operating handle 23. At its lower end the pump 58 is provided with an air delivery box or manifold 24 from which the air to be supplied to the upper ends of the tanks i5 and ii is delivered through a conduit 25 and a combined distributor and pressure release valve device 26. Branch conduits 2i and 28 connect two of the outlets of the device 26 with the upper ends of the tanks it; and ii. A third outlet of the device 26 is connected with the applicator unit 12 by the flexible conduit i5. A check valve 29 located in re conduit 25 prevents a return flow of air from the tanks i and H to the pump it and thus enables the pump to charge the tanks with the desired air pressure for delivering the treating fluids therefrom.

The applicator unit or dispensing head i2 comprises a housing 3! formed by connected upper, intermediate and lower housing sections 32 3t and 35 and having a delivery nozzle 32 connected therewith for delivery of the dispensing fluids. In this instance, the delivery nozzle 32 is connected directly with the housing 3! in depending relation thereto for convenient insertion into a spike hole to be treated, although if desired, the delivery nozzle could be connected with the housing by a flexible conduit.

The applicator unit 52 is provided with a suitable carrying handle 33 enabling the same to be manually carried and manipulated. The handle 33 is connected with the housing (H by an upright rod Ed on which the handle is mounted at an intermediate point thereof. The applicator unit I2 is also provided with a manually movable operating lever 35 having a handle portion 35 and to which further reference will presently be made. At this point it is sufficient to explain that the lever 35: is pivotally mounted on rod 34 adjacent its upper end, as by means of the bracket 35 The housing 3! contains a pump chamber 36 having a plunger means 3'! operable therein. The lunger means 3! is formed by a plunger body 3'. and a pair of spaced upper and lower diaphragms S8 and 39 which extend tranversely of the pump chamber 36 and divide the same into three compartments comprising a power compartment 40 and a pair of dispensing compartments 4| and 42. The plunger means 31 also includes clamping members 43 and 44 by which the diaphragms 38 and 39 are clamped against the plunger body 31*.

As shown in the drawings, the hose I3 leading from the tank I6 is connected with the dispensing compartment 4| through a check valve 45. The hose l4 leading from the tank ll is connected with the dispensing compartment 42 through a similar check valve 46. The air pressure in the tanks l6 and Il causes the fluids thereof to be supplied through the hoses l3 and I4 and to flow past the check valves 45 and 46 into and substantially fill the dispensing compartments 4| and 42. These dispensing compartments have discharge passages 4's and 48 leading therefrom and through which the fluids are delivered when these fluids are subjected to increased pressure in the dispensing compartments 4| and 42 by the plunger means 31.

The delivery nozzle 32 is provided with multiple delivery passages for the dipsensing fluids, in this instance two such passages 49 and 51!. The nozzle 32 is here formed by a pair of coaxially disposed outer and inner tubes 5| and 52 which define the respective outer and inner delivery passages 49 and 50. The outer tube 5| is connected with the housing 3| by a bushng 53 such that the outer delivery passage 59 forms a continuation of the discharge passage 4'! leading from the dispensing compartment 4|. The inner tube 52 is also connected with the housing 3| by a bushing 54 such that the inner delivery passage 50 forms a continuation of the discharge passage 48 leading from the dispensing compartment 42.

To prevent leakage or the premature escape of the treating fluids from the dispensing compartments 4| and 42, the applicator unit I2 is provided with outlet valve devices 55 and 56 which control the discharge passages 41 and 43 respectively. The valve devices 55 and 56 are located in valve chambers 51 and 53 which constitute enlargements of the discharge passages 41 and 48.

The outlet valve device 55 comprises an annular valve seat 59 extending upwardly into the valve chamber 5! in surrounding relation to a downwardly extending portion of the discharge passage 47, and a movable valve member 6|! hav-- ing a normally closed position in engagement with the seat 59 for preventing the flow of dispensing fluid out of the compartment 47. The valve device 55 also comprises a valve diaphragm 6| extending across the valve chamber 5'? above the valve seat 59 and which is formed by a portion of the diaphragh 3B of the'plunger means 37.

The diaphragm 6| cooperates with a portion of the housing member 3 to define a pressure compartment 62 located above the diaphragm. The Valve member 60 is connected with the diaphragm 6| substantially centrally thereof and on the underside thereof so as to be sealingly pressed against the annular valve seat 59 by motive fluid pressure supplied to the compartment 62 as hereinafter explained. A compression spring 63 located in the compartment 62 is effective on the diaphragm 6| for also urging the valve member 60 toward a position of closed engagement with the valve seat 59.

The outlet valve device 56 comprises an annular valve seat 65 formed on the upper end of the bushing 54 and projecting upwardly into the valve chamber 58 in surrounding relation to the upper end of the delivery passage 50 of the nozzle 32. The valve device 56 also comprises a valve diaphragm 66 extending across the valve chamber 58 above the valve seat 65 and formed by a portion of the diaphragm 39 of the plunger means 37. The valve device 56 also comprises a valve member 61 having a normally closed position in engagement with the valve seat 65.

The diaphragm 66 cooperates with a portion of the intermediate housing member 3| to define a pressure compartment 68 located above the diaphragm. The valve member 61 is secured to the diaphragm 66 on its underside and substantialy centrally thereof such that motive fluid pressure supplied to the compartment 63, as hereinafter explained, will act on the diaphragm to hold the valve member against the valve seat 65. A compression spring 69 located in the compartment 68 is effective on the diaphragm 56 to also urge the valve member 61 toward a position of closed engagement with the valve seat 65.

Air furnished by the pump l8 serves as the above-mentioned motive fluid pressure and is supplied to the applicator unit l2 through the hose I5. The motive fluid being thus supplied to the applicator unit I2 is received in the valve chamber 1| of a priming valve device 12 which will be presently described. The hose I5 is connected with the housing 3| so as to communicate with the valve chamber H through a connecting passage 13. The valve chamber H is connected with the pressure compartment 62 of the outlet valve device 56 by a passage 14, and similarly, the pressure compartment 63 of the outlet valve device 5'! is connected with the valve chamber 1! by a passage 75. The motive fluid pressure supplied to the pressure compartments 62 and 68 through the passages 14- and 15 acts on the diaphragms BI and 66 tohold the valve members 60 and 61 against their valve seats 59 and 65 as explained above.

A portion of the motive fluid pressure being furnished to the applicator unit l2 through the hose I5 is supplied to the power compartment 4|) through a connecting passage (6 which connects this compartment with the pressure compartment 62 of the outlet valve device 56. The motive fluid pressure which is thus supplied to the power compartment 40 is of substantially the same pressure value as the air pressure contained in the tanks I6 and ll of the reservoir unit II, and hence, is of substantially the same pressure value as that of the dispensing fluids being supplied to the dispensing compartments 4| and 42. It Will accordingly be seen that the pressure of the motive fluid in the compartment 40 is effective on one side of the plunger means 31 to substantially balance the pressure of the motive fluids of the compartments 4| and 42 which is effective on the opposite side of the plunger means.

This pressure-balanced condition of the plunger means 31 is desirable because only a minimum amount of manual effort will then be needed to produce a downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means. Such a downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means subjects the dispensing fluids in the compartments 4| and 42 to an increased pressure causing these fluids to act against the underside of the valve diaphragms 6| and 66 of the valve devices 55 and 56 to produce an opening movement of the valve members 60 and 61. The opening of the valve members 60 and 6'! permits the dispensing fluids to be delivered through the discharge passages 41 and 48 and through the delivery passages 49 and 50 of the nozzle 32.

As shown in the drawings, an actuating stem 11 projects from the pump chamber 36 of the housing 3| through an opening 1-8 of the upper housing member 3| and is provided at its upper end with a yoke portion 19. The inner end of the stem 11 is connected with the plunger means 31 by a screw 80 which extends through the plunger body 31 and through the clamping members 43 and 44.

For manually producing the downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means 31, the manually movable actuating lever 35 is connected with the plunger stem T! by means of a connecting rod 8| and a lever 82. The pivotal connection of the lever 35 with the bracket 35 permits this lever to be conveniently swung in a substantially vertical plane when grasped by one hand of an operator. The lever 82 has one end thereof fulcrumed on the housing 3| by being pivotally connected with a fulcrum bracket 83. At an intermediate point thereof, the lever 82 is connected with the yoke portion 79 of the actuating rod 11 by means of a transverse pivot pin 84.

The outer end of the lever 82 is connected with the actuating lever 35 by the connecting rod 8| which is adjustable as to length by means of threaded connections 8| embodied therein. A compression spring 85 having its lower end seated in a recess 85 of the housing 3| and its upper end engaging the free end of the lever 82 urges the latter in an upward direction for retracting the plunger means 37 in the pump chamber 36. The spring 85 has sumcient force to normally hold the plunger means 31 in a retracted initial position at the upper end of the pump chamber 36 and to also hold the actuating lever 35 in a corresponding initial position shown in full lines in Figs. 1 and 2.

The measured quantities of the dispensing fluids which are delivered from the dispensing chambers GI and 42 will depend upon the volume capacities of these compartments and upon the length of the downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means 31. These dispensing compartments can be of any desired size and can have any desired volume relationship to each other. In this instance, the volume relationship between the dispensing compartments 4| and 42 is represented approximately by a three-to-one ratio.

For varying the quantities of the treating fluids to be delivered from the dispensing compartments ll and 42, the applicator unit |2 is provided with an adjusting means for altering the length of the downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means 31. This adjusting means is here shown as comprising a threaded portion =36 provided on the actuating rod l"! and two nuts 8! and 88 engaging this threaded portion and forming an adjustable stop. During the dispensing operation, the lower end of the nut 88 engages the housing 3| for limiting the extent of downward movement of the plunger means 31.

When the tanks !6 and H have been substantially filled with the dispensing fluids and have been charged with air pressure to the desired appropriate 35 pounds pressure value by operation of the pump Hi, the apparatus i9 is ready to be placed in use. At the beginning of the dispensing operation, the dispensing compartments 3| and .2 and the supply and discharge passages for these compartments will contain only air. The purpose of the above-mentioned priming valve device 12 is to permit filling of these compartments and passages with dispensing fluid with-' out requiring manipulation of the manual actuating lever 35. By manual actuation of this priming valve device 72, the air trapped in the dispensing compartments H and 42 and in the supply and discharge passages thereof is vented to atmosphere so as to permit filling of these compartments and passages with the dispensing fluids in response to the pressures existing in the tanks l6 and I1.

The priming valve device 12 (see Figs. 5 and 7) comprises an annular valve seat 89 extending upwardly into the valve chamber 7| in surrounding relation to the upper end of the air passage 73. This valve device also comprises a valve member 90 carried by a Valve plunger 9| and having a normally open position in adjacently spaced relation above the valve seat 89. The valve chamber H is defined in part by a cup-shaped cover member 92 which is threadedly connected with the housing member 3| and has a vent passage 93 therein connecting this valve chamber with the atmosphere. The plunger 9| has an actuating stem 34 extending upwardly through the vent passage 93 and to which downward manual actuating movement can be applied by pressure of the operators thumb on the upper end of this stem.

The priming valve device 12 also comprises an annular valve seat formed on the cover member 92 and extending in depending relation into the valve chamber H in coaxial alignment with the annular valve seat 89 and in surrounding relation to the inner end of the vent passage 93. An annular valve member 96, carried by the plunger 9| and disposed in surrounding relation to the stem 94, is engageable with the valve seat 95 for closing the vent passage 93. A compression spring 9'! located in the valve chamber ll acts on the plunger 9| to hold the valve member 95 in a position of normally closed engagement with the valve seat 95 and to also hold the valve member 90 in its normally open position with respect to the valve seat 89. A shield 93, formed of soft rubber or other suitable flexible material and having an inverted-cup shape, is connected with the stem 94 and forms a hood or cover extending over the upper end of the vent passage 93 for excluding foreign matter and insects therefrom.

To accomplish the above-mentioned priming of the dispensing chambers 4| and 42 and their supply and discharge passages with the dispensing fluids, the operator depresses the valve plunger 9| thereby opening the vent passage 93 and closing the air supply passage 13. The opening of the vent passage 93 permits air to be exhausted to atmosphere from the pressure compartments G2 and 68 of the outlet valve devices 55 and 58. This permits the air which is trapped in the dispensing compartments 6| and 42, and which is of the pressure of the pressure values existing in the tanks l6 and H, to be effective against the underside of the diaphragms 6| and 6G to cause opening of the outlet valves 68 and 61.

The opening of the outlet valves permits the trapped air to be expelled to atmosphere through the delivery passages G9 and 58 of the nozzle 33 and to be replaced by quantities of the dispensing fluids. The operator maintains the valve plunger 9| in its depressed or venting position until the dispensing fluids begin to issue from the nozzle passages 49 and 50. When this occurs, he knows that the dispensing chambers and passages of the applicator unit I2 have been primed with the dispensing fluids whereupon he releases the plunger 9|. The release of this plunger causes the vent passage 93 to be reclosed by the valve member 95 and causes the air supply passage 13 to be again connected with the pressure compartments 62 and 68 of the valve devices 55 and 56 such that the motive pressure fluid will be effective on the diaphragms GI and 66 for reengaging the valve members 60 and 51 with their seats 59 and 65.

In using the dispensing apparatus II], the reservoir unit II is placed in a position adjacent to a group of spike holes of certain railway ties which are to be treated. The operator carries the applicator unit I2 from one point of use to another within the range of movement permitted by the hoses I3, I4 and I5. He accomplishes this by manually grasping the carrying handle 33, preferably with his right hand, and at the same time grasping the handle 35 of the actuating lever 35 with his left hand.

While thus maintaining the unit l2 in an elevated or suspended position, he lowers or inserts the lower end of the nozzle 3?. into an individual spike hole and then depresses the actuating lever 35 to its dotted line position shown in Fig, 2. The resulting downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means 37 causes the desired measured quantities of the dispensing fluids to be delivered through the passages of the nozzle into the spike hole. Before withdrawing the nozzle from the spike hole, the actuating lever 35 is returned to its full line position, or is permitted to be returned to such position by the spring 85, which results in a retracting upward movement of the plunger means 31 and permits the dispensing compartments 4! and 42 to be refilled for the next subsequent dispensing operation. I

As shown in Figs. 7 and the lower end of the inner nozzle tube 52 is preferably provided with a cap or fitting I having a somewhat restricted orifice It! therein. During the dispensing operation, the dispensing fluid being delivered through the nozzle passage 50' will emerge from the orifice IOI as a velocity stream which will impinge against the stream of dispensing fluid flowing from the outer nozzle passage 49 and will promote a thorough mixing of the two dispensing fluids in the spike hole.

With respect to the pressure-balanced condition of the plunger means 37, it has been explained above that air under pressure is supplied to the power compartment 46 as a motive fluid pressure This invention contemplates, however, that instead of supplying air to the power compartment GI), the pressure-balanced condition of the plunger means 31 can be obtained by supplying one of the dispensing fluids under pressure to the power compartment. This can be done by providing direct communication (not shown) between the power compartment 45! and one of the dispensing chambers, for example the immediately adjacent dispensing chamber 4i. When one of the dispensing fluids is thus used as a motive fluid pressur in the power compartment 40, the connecting air passage i6 is omitted.

Reverting to the pressure release valve device 26 of the reservoir unit I I, it should be explained that this valve device provides a means by which the air pressure in the tanks it and Il can be released to atmosphere as would be desirable prior to removal of the closure plugs 29 for refilling of the tanks with the dispensing fluids. This release valve device 26 comprises a valve body 02 which is similar in character to a pipe fitting of the kind known as a cross and has a distributing chamber I03 therein through which the hoses I5, 2'! and 28 are all connected with the air supply hose 25. The release valve device 25 also comprises a cup-shaped cover I04 which is mounted on the valve body I82 and cooperates therewith in defining a valve chamber I 05.

The release valve device 26 also comprises an annular valve seat I06 carried by the body I02 and projecting upwardly into the valve chamber I in surrounding relation to the upper end of a vent passage I 9? which communicates with a transverse passage I08 leading to atmosphere. The valve chamber IE5 is closed by a flexible diaphragm I I39 extending thereacross and held in clamped engagement against the body 102 by the cover I04. A passage IIO formed in the body I02 connects the valve chamber I05 with the distributing chamber I03.

A valve member I I I, carried by the diaphragm I 99 and located substantially centrally thereof, has a normally closed position in engagement with the annular valve seat I 06 for closing the vent passag I81. A plunger IIZ engaging the diaphragm I09 has a stem portion II3 projecting upwardly through the cover I64. A compression spring II of a predetermined load value is housed in the cover I04 and disposed around the stem I I3 and acts on the plunger II2 to shift the same downwardly against the diaphragm I953 and urge the valve member IlI toward a position of closed engagement with th annular valve seat I95. An actuating lever H5 is pivotally connected with the upper end of the plunger stem I I3 and has a cam portion I I5 on the pivoted end thereof.

When the air pressure in the tanks l6 and I1 is to be vented to atmosphere, the lever H5 is swung upwardly to its substantially vertical broken line position shown in Fig. 9, causing the cam portion I I5 to engage the upper end of the cover I04 and produce a lifting force which is applied to the plunger H2, This upward movement of the plunger II 2 permits the valve member III to be moved away from the valve seat I06 by the confined air pressure acting against the underside of the diaphragm I09, thereby establishing communication of the distributing chamber MS with the atmosphere through the passages H0 and H31. After the tanks I6 and I7 have been refilled with the dispensing fluids and the cover plugs 26 have been replaced, the lever II5 of the release valve device 25 is returned to its full line position shown in Fig. 9 enabling the spring IM to reclose the valve member III prior to actuation of the pump I8 for recharging the tanks with air pressure.

The release valve device 25 also serves as a relief valve means for preventing overcharge of the tanks I6 and I! with air pressure by operation of the air pump I8. Since the compression spring IM- is of a predetermined load value, as mentioned above, it will permit automatic opening of the valve member III by air pressure acting against the underside of the diaphragm I09, to thereby vent excessive air pressure to atmosphere and limit the air pressure in the tanks l5 and I? to a desired value.

Whenever the dispensing operation employing the apparatus IQ is interrupted, it is desirable to exclude air from direct contact with the dispensing fluids standing in the nozzle passages 49 and 50 because of the characteristic tendency of these fluids to become set when in contact with the air. The present invention, therefore, provides a temporary cover Ill for the nozzle stem 32 which can be very quickly applied thereto or removed therefrom. The cover lI'i comprises a cup-shaped member I it made of plastic or any other suitable material and having a chamber I I? therein adapted to contain a quantity of oil I20.

At its upper end the cover I i 8 is provided with a closure formed by a plurality of axially spaced flexible disks l2! extending across the opening of the cover member and having their annular peripheral edges or rim portions lli held in place by a clamping bushing or ring-shaped nut i222. The annular rim portions of the flexible disks I2I are held in axially spaced. relation by intervening spacer rings or washers i523. The disks I2l are provided with substantially centrally located and substantially axially aligned slit openings through which the nozzle stem can be inserted into the chamber i 59 for immersion of the lower ends of the nozzle tubes in the oil I26.

The slit-like character of the openings of the disks i2! and the fl-xibility or" these disks cause the same to grip the nozzle stem when the cover 1 H has been telescopingly applied thereto. The gripping engagement of the disks with the nozzle 32 forms a fluid-tight seal therebetween which prevents the escape of the oil I and also forms a frictional connection with the nozzle by which the cover ii! is retained thereon,

To prevent loss of the cover l I'i, this device can be suitably anchored or tethered to the applicator unit i2 as by means of a chain or flexible cable (not shown). Preferably, however, a holder I 24 is provided in which the cover I I? can be temporarily held or parked during the time that it is disengaged from the nozzle stem 32. The holder I21; is in the form of a wire spring clamp device having a contractible 100p portion I24, which extends around and grips the rod (see Fig. 1) for mounting the holder on the applicator unit I2. The holder I24 also comprises a pair of spring arms or jaws I24 which embracingly receive and releasably hold the cover I I! by engaging in the annular groove I25 thereof.

Figs. 11 and 12 of the drawings show a modifled form of dispensing head or applicator unit I28 which is generally similar to the unit I2 and can be used with a reservoir unit similar to the unit Il. The applicator unit IE3 is also a manually portable unit having a delivery nozzle E23 depending therefrom and is adapted to be moved from one point of use to another for insertion of the nozzle I29 into individual spike holes of the railway ties to be treated. The applicator unit I28 differs from the unit l2 described above, in that the dispensing operation of the unit 253 is carried out by pressure motive fluid of a relatively high pressure and controlled by a manually operable control valve I39.

To enable the applicator unit 528 to be manually carried and manipulated, an upright carrying handle I3! is provided and has its lower end connected with the housing I32 of this unit. The handle it I also forms a mount for the control valve I39.

As shown in Fig. 12, the applicator unit 228 is provided with a pump chamber 38 located in the housing 32 and a plunger means i i i operable in the pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment E and a pair of dispensing compartments 35 and 53?. Supply passages E38 and we defined by hoses 33 and lid leading from tanks containing dispensing fluids under pressure, such as tanks similar to the tanks IE and I1 and containing a corresponding relatively low pressure, communicate with the dispensing compartments I36 and i3? are controlled by ch ck valves Hit and I l-I. Discharge passages Hi2 and l leading from the dispensing compartments I36 and I3? are controlled by outlet valve devices i l-i and. I55 which are of substantially the same construction and function in substantially the same manner as the outlet valve devices and described above.

The nozzle H9 is formed by outer inner nozzle tubes defining delivery passages which constitute continuations of the di charge passages 323 and 5:33. Valve member and I'll, located in the valve chambers of the valve devices Hi4 and E 35, control the disnarge passages M2 and are horn -..lly held in a closed position by the compression springs Hi8 and M8 and by air pressure acting on the diaphragins iid and I5I of these valve devices and supplied by the hose I5. The air pressure furnished by the hose i5 is of substantially the same low pressure value as the air pressure in the dispenr'ng fluid supply tanks and is supplied to the outlet valve devices Hi4 and M5 through the same corresponding passages as have been described above in the applicator unit I2 and to which the same reference characters have been applied.

A downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means IE4 is produced by supplying pressure motive fluid to the power chamber ltt at a pressure substantially above the 35 pounds per square inch pressure of the dispensing fluids, for example at a pressure of approximately 65 pounds per square inch. The pressure motive fluid is preferably air under pressure and is supplied to the power compartment 35 from an available source of fluid of the required pressure value through a hose E52 and the manually operable control valve I39.

When the applicator unit I23 has been manually moved to a position with the delivery nozzle E29 thereof extending into a spike hole, the operator actuates the valve 30 to thereby supply the pressure motive fluid to the power compartment I35 for producing a downward dispensing stroke of the plunger means lS l. When the dispensing stroke has been completed, the operator releases the control valve I3!) thereby disconnecting the po er compartment I35 from the source of motive fluid and connecting the hose I 52 with atmosphere for venting the power compartment I35. The venting of the power coinpartment E35 permits the plunger means I3 5 to be moved upwardly through a return stroke by the pressure of the dispensing fluids bein sup plied to the dispensing compartments I35 and I3! to refill the latter.

The amounts of the dispensing fluids which are discharged from the dispensing compartments I36 and I3"! can be varied by controlling the extent of the return movement of the plunger means I34i. For this purpose, an adjusting screw lE l is provided in the housing 232 having its inner end extending into the power compartment and forming a stop adapted to be engaged by the plunger means 336. A lock nut on the screw I52 enables the same to be locked in any desired position of adjustment.

The manually operable control valve 534 supplying motive pressure fluid to, and exhausting the same from, the power compartment I35 is a three-way valve of a suitable construction such as that shown in Fig. 13. This control valve comprises a valve body I56 having a passage extending therethrough for connecting the air supply hose I53 with the hose I52. A movable valv member I57 located in the body I55 and cooperating with a valve seat I58 controls the communication between the hoses I52 and I53. The valve member I! is normally held in a position of closed engagement with the valve seat I58 by a compression spring I59.

The control valve I30 also comprises a cover or bonnet I60 having a vent passage IEI extending therethrough and an annular valve seat I62 disposed in surrounding relation to the upper end of the vent passage. A manually operable plunger I63 is axially movable in the Vent passage I6I and has its inner end in engagement with the stem I5! of the valve member I51. A valve member I64 carried by the plunger I63 is engageable with the valve seat I62 for closing the vent passage IBI when the plunger I63 has been depressed to open the valve member I51. The vent passage I6I is connected with the hose I52 such that the power compartment I35 will be in communication with the atmosphere during such time that the valve member I64 stands in its normally open position as shown in Fig. 14.

The applicator unit I28 is also provided with a priming valve device I66 which is substantially identical with the priming valve device 12 described above and functions in substantially the same manner and for the same purpose.

From the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, it will now be readily understood that this invention provides improved dispensing apparatus which includes a manually portable dispensing head or applicator unit having therein either a manually operable, or a power actuated, plunger means. It will now also be seen that this improved dispensing apparatus is capable of handling multiple fluids which are maintained in segregated relation. It will be seen further that this improved dispensing apparatus includes normally closed outlet valve devices controlling the discharge passages leading from the dispensing compartments and which outlet valve devices are adapted to be opened in response to an increased pressure of the dispensing fluids acting against valve diaphragms. Additionally, it will be seen that this improved dispensing apparatus embodies novel priming means for venting trapped air to atmosphere so as to permit an initial filling of the dispensing compartments and their associated passages with the dispensing fluids.

Although the dispensing apparatus of this invention has been illustrated and described herein to a somewhat detailed extent, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not to be regarded as being limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes and modifications coming within the terms of the claims hereof.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In dispensing apparatus, a housing having a pump chamber therein, a source of dispensing fluid under pressure, a delivery nozzle, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a dispensing compartment, said housing also having therein a pair of supply and discharge passages communicating with said dispensing compartment and through which said dispensing compartment is connected with said source and with said nozzle, a check valve controlling said supply passage, valve means controlling said discharge passage, means for supplying motive fluid pressure to said power compartment, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force to said plunger means while the latter is subjected to said motive fluid pressure.

2. Dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said plunger means is substantially pressure-balanced by the pressure of said dispensing fluid on one side thereof and the pressure of said motive fluid on the other side thereof.

3. In apparatus for dispensing multiple fluids, a housing having a pump chamber therein, a plurality of sources of individual dispensing fluids under pressure, a nozzle having delivery passages for the individual fluids, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a plurality of dispensing compartments, said housing also having supply passages therein connecting said sources with the respective dispensing compartments and discharge passages connecting said dispensing compartments with the respective delivery passages of said nozzle, outlet valve devices controlling said discharge passages, means for supplying motive fluid pressure to said power compartment, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force to said plunger means while the latter is subjected to said motive fluid pressure.

4. Dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 3 in which said plunger means is substantially pressure-balanced by the pressure of said dispensing fluids on one side thereof and the pressure of said motive fluid on the other side thereof.

5. In dispensing apparatus, a housing having a pump chamber therein, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a dispensing compartment, a delivery nozzle, said housing having a supply passage therein communicating with said dispensing compartment and adapted for connection with a source of dispensing fluid under the pressure of a motive fluid, a check valve controlling said supply passage, said housing also having therein a valve chamber and a discharge passage connecting said dispensing compartment with said nozzle through said valve chamber, valve means in said valve chamber and controlling said discharge passage, said housing also having passage means therein communicating with said power compartment and adapted for connection with said source for supplying such motive fluid to said power compartment at a pressure to substantially balance the pressure of the dispensing fluid in said dispensing compartment, said valve means comprising a valve member having a normally closed position for preventing escape of the dispensing fluid from said dispensing compartment and being movable to an open position in response to a predetermined increase in the pressure of the dispensing fluid in said dispensing compartment, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force to said plunger means for causing said predetermined increase in the pressure of said dispensing fluid.

6. In dispensing apparatus of the character described, a housing having a dispensing compartment therein and dispensing fluid supply and discharge passages communicating with said dispensing compartment, said housing also having a valve chamber therein and located in said discharge passage, plunger means operable in said dispensing compartment for subjecting dispensing fluid therein to pressure, diaphragm means in said valve chamber and cooperating with a portion of said housing to define a pressure compartment, a valve member movable with said diaphragm means and having a normally closed position for preventing escape of dispensing fluid from said dispensing compartment but being movable to an open position by the pressure of said dispensing fluid againt one side of said diaphragm means, manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to cause a dispensing stroke of said plunger mean in said dispensing compartment, said housing also having an air supply passage adapted to supply air under pressure to said pressure compartment for holding said valve member in said normally closed position and a vent passage for venting said pressure compartment to atmosphere, and a manually operable priming valve movable to close said air supply passage and to open said vent passage.

7. In dispensing apparatus of the character described, a housing having a pump chamber therein, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a dispensing compartment, said housing having a supply passage therein communicating with said dispensing compartment and adapted for connection with a source of dispensing fluid under pressure, said housing also having a discharge passage leading from said dispensing compartment and a valve chamber in said discharge passage, said housing also having passage means therein communicating with said power compartment and adapted for connection with a source of air under pressure for supplying air to said power compartment at a pressure to substantially balance the pressure of said dispensing fluid in said dispensing compartment, diaphragm means in said valve chamber and cooperating with a portion of said housing to define a pressure compartment, a valve member movable with said diaphragm means and having a normally closed position for preventing escape of dispensing fluid from said dispensing compartment but being movable to an open position by a predetermined pressure increase in said dispensing fluid effective against one side of said diaphragm means, manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to produce a dispensing stroke of said plunger means for causing said predetermined pressure increase in said dispensing fluid, said housing also having an air supply passage communicating with said pressure compartment and adapted to supply air under pressure to the latter for holding said valve member in said normally closed position and a vent passage for venting said pressure compartment to atmosphere, and a manually operable priming valve movable to close said air supply passage and to open said vent passage.

8. In dispensing apparatus of the kind comprising a portable dispensing head having a hollow nozzle stem connected therewith for the delivery therethrough of the fluid being dispensed, a cover for said nozzle stem comprising a cupshaped member of a size to be telescoped over said nozzle stem and defining a chamber, a quantity of liquid in said chamber and in which the end portion of said nozzle stem is immersed when the cover is in its applied position, and sealing means carried by said cup-shaped member adjacent the open end thereof and forming a liquid retaining closure for said open end when the cover is disengaged from the nozzle stem, said sealing means being flexible and having a normally closed passage therein adapting such sealing means to receive and sealingly grip said nozzle stem when said cover is applied thereto.

9. Dispensin apparatus as defined in claim 8 in which the sealing means of said cover comprises rim-mounted axially spaced flexible disks having substantially axially aligned normally closed slit openings therein.

10. In dispensing apparatus of the character described, a manually portable dispensing head comprising a housing having a pump chamber therein and a depending nozzle stem provided with a delivery passage, carrying handle means connected with said housing and extending thereabove and adapted to be manually grasped, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a dispensing compartment and a power compartment, said housing having inlet passage means adapted for connection with a source of dispensing fluid under pressure and communicating with said dispensing compartment, said housing also having a valve chamber therein and discharge passage means connecting said dispensing compartment with said delivery passage through said valve chamber, outlet valve means in said valve chamber and controlling said discharge passage, means for supplying pressure motive fluid to said power compartment, and a manually movable actuating lever mounted on said carrying handle means and mechanically connected with said plunger means and effective to apply pumping force to the latter.

11. In apparatus for dispensing multiple fluids, a housing having a pump chamber therein, a plurality of sources of individual dispensing fluids under pressure, nozzle means connected with said housing and having delivery passages for the individual fluids extending substantially entirely therethrough, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a plurality of dispensing compartments, said housing also having supply passages therein communicating with the respective dispensing compartments and discharge passages connecting said dispensing compartments with the respective delivery passages of said nozzle means, conduit mean connecting said supply passages with the respective sources of said fluids, valve means controlling said discharge passages, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force to said plunger means for causing a dispensing stroke thereof, said discharge passages and the delivery passages of said nozzle means maintaining said dispensing fluids in segregated relation.

12. In apparatus for dispensing multiple fluids, a housing having a pump chamber therein, a plurality of sources of individual dispensing fluids under pressure, nozzle means connected with said housing and having delivery passages for the individual fluids extending substantially entirely therethrough, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a plurality of dispensing compartments, said housing also having supply passages therein communicating with the respective dispensing compartments and discharge passages connecting said dispensing compartments with the respective delivery passages of said nozzle means, conduit means connecting said supply passages with the respective sources of said fluids, valve means controlling said discharge passages,

a source of air pressure of a pressure value substantially equal to the pressure of said dispensing fluid sources, conduit means connecting the air pressure source with said power compartment, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force supplemental to said air pressure to said plunger means for causing a dispensing stroke of the latter, said discharge passages and the delivery passages of said nozzle means maintaining said dispensing fluids in segregated relation.

13. In dispensing apparatus, a housing having a pump chamber therein, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a dispensing compartment, tank means adapted to contain a supply of dispensing fluid and having an air pressure compartment therein above the supply of dispensingfluid, a delivery nozzle, said housing having a sup ply passage therein communicating With said dispensing compartment, said housing also having therein a valve chamber and a discharge passage connecting said dispensing compartment with said nozzle through said valve chamber, conduit means connecting the supply passage of said housing with said tank means at a point adjacent the bottom of the latter, valve means in said valve chamber and controlling said discharge passage, and other conduit means connecting said power compartment with said air pressure compartment of said tank means, said valve means comprising a valve member having a normally closed position for preventing escape of the dispensing fluid from said dispensing compartment and being movable to an open position in response to a predetermined increase in the pressure of the dispensing fluid in said dispensing compartment, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force to said plunger means for causing said predetermined increase in the pressure of said dispensing fluid.

14. In dispensing apparatus, a housing having a pump chamber therein, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a plurality of dispensing compartments, tank means having compartments therein adapted to contain a plurality of dispensing fluids in segregated relation with air pressure compartments above the bodies of dispensing fluids, nozzle means connected with said housing and having delivery passages for the individual dispensing fluids extending substantially entirely therethrough, plunger means operable in said pump chamber and dividing the same into a power compartment and a plurality of dispensing compartments, conduit means connecting said dispensing compartments with the dispensing fluid compartments of said tank means, said housing also having discharge passages therein connecting said dispensing compartments with the respective delivery passages of said nozzle means, valve means controlling said discharge passages, other conduit means connecting said power compartment with the air pressure compartments of said tank means, said valve means comprising valve members having a normally closed position for preventing escape of the dispensing fluids from said dispensing compartments and being movable to an open position in response to a predetermined increase in the pressure of the dispensing fluids in said dispensing compartments, and manually movable means engaging said plunger means and operable to mechanically apply actuating force to said plunger means for causing said predetermined increase in the pressure or said dispensing fluids, said discharge passages and the delivery passages of said nozzle means maintaining said dispensing fluids in segregated relation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,298,920 Barks et a1 Oct. 13, 1942 2,372,360 Cornelius Mar. 27, 1945 2,533,281 Oliveau Dec. 12, 1950 2,536,400 Thompson Jan. 2, 1951 2,566,436 Waite Sept. 4, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 870,231 France Dec. 5, 1941 

